CSSD Emergency Department physicians want to increase public awareness of the dangers of children riding all terrain vehicles (“ATVs”). Parents need to be aware that ATV accidents can result in very serious injuries and even death. In 2002, 44 children under age 14 died from ATV accidents in the U.S.

At Rady Children's Hospital alone, 383 pediatric trauma patients were brought in for treatment of ATV injuries between January 2000 and August 2004. The average hospital length of stay for these patients was 3.8 days, with the longest being three weeks. Average hospital charge to these patients was $27,400; the largest was $299,289. Injuries ranged from various abrasions to severe brain damage and spinal cord injury.

While state law and the position of the Consumer Product Safety Commission are a bit more lenient with regard to use of ATVs by children, the American Association of Pediatrics has issued a set of recommendations approved and promoted by Rady Children's Hospital. These include:

• No use of ATVs by children or adolescents younger than 16.
• Use of ATVs should require automobile driver's license and, preferably, special certification in ATV use.
• No use of ATVs on public streets or highways.
• No passengers on ATVs.
• No operating of ATVs under the influence of alcohol.
• No use of ATVs between sundown and sunset.

Please visit atvsafety.gov for more information.

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